I'd like to start off by saying I have not been on these forums in some time and that it is good to be back on here. I just caught myself looking at the Nu-Flare 77R92L on Amazon after narrowing down the search with multiple filters and realized how silly I was after remembering this awesome forum. To this point, my Amazon searches have all been rather fruitless, so here I am looking for quality advice for my current needs.
My current situation is I am going on two relatively long distance bicycle rides during the summer and my Malkoff 3D Maglite is not gonna do the trick. The first ride of the summer won't be very long and should have a large caravan following, but the second ride will be a little over 120 miles round trip spread over 2 days with just a few friends of mine on back roads. This second trip is the main reason I am here needing advice as we plan to camp out as well. With that said, I'll try to answer the basic questions as best as I can so you all can better help me. I've included a text form and document form for user preference. Thanks!
Text form: I would prefer the flashlight to be available on Amazon.com as my current method of payment will be gift cards and credit card cash back money, but if it is worth it, I can pull for something that is not listed on Amazon. I am a broke college student, so unfortunately, my budget is around $25-45 max. I don't care for things on my keychain, but this needs to be small enough to pack easily. Something like an EDC 3-4 inch. As for the source, I'd say LED, but I don't really know any better. I would prefer to use alkalines, but that is mainly because I do not know much about other batteries such as NiHM. If the battery you have in mind is cost-effective, then I'm all ears. For brightness, probably something around 100 to 200 lumens as I will be on back roads and camping in random places. I would also like a good reach on this light. Something like 20-100 yards would be nice since I will be in unknown outdoor settings, but I'm not entirely sure how much throw I need as I don't know how it affects the versatility. I don't plan to overly use the light, but it could be necessary in the building of our tents/campsite if we stop at sunset or later. 30-90+ minutes battery life should do since I plan to carry one set of backup alkalines. I would also like a minimum of 2 light levels. Switch type, UI, coating, and special needs are not really defined in my case. Let's just say I don't want a light made out of cardboard and I wouldn't mind a button for the light switch.
Document form: 1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
____ I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
_X__ I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)
____ Less than $25.
_X__ Less than $50.
____ Less than $100.
____ Less than $150.
____ Less than $300.
____ I have no limit.
____ I’m flexible, tell me what you gotJ.
____ Other, please specify ________
3) Format:
_X__ I want a flashlight.
____ I want a headlamp.
____ I want a lantern.
____ I want a dive light.
____ I want a portable spotlight.
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
____ Keychain size.
_X__ Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
_X__ Every day carry medium (4-7 inches). 5 inches maximum
____ Holster carry.
____ Big enough to need its own travel caseJ.
____ I don’t care.
____ I don’t know.
____ N/A
5) Emitter/Light source:
_X__ LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____ Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____ HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
_X__ I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
_X__ I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
_X__ I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a “host” or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a “drop-in” emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.
7) What battery type do you want to use?
_X__ I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today’s most powerful lights) Preferred as my knowledge is low on other batteries, but I am open to alternatives
____ I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
____ I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
____ I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)
____ I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery. (Note: these choices may be very limited unless you are looking at spotlights)
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
____ I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
____ I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
_X__ I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____ I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____ I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
____ Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____ Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
_X__ 5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
_X__ 30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
_X__ 50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces) Not entirely sure how much throw I need
____ 150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
____ Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
_X__ 30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
_X__ 90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____ 3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
____ Not Important (A “night-stand” light).
_X__ Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
_X__ Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____ Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____ I don't care.
____ I don’t know.
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
____ I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____ I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____ I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____ I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____ I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____ I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
____ I don't care.
_X__ I don’t know.
____ Other, please specify__________.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____ A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
_X__ I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.) More than 2 is fine, but a minimum of 2
____ I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____ I want a programmable light.
____ I want a selector ring.
____ I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
____ I want SOS mode.
____ I want a beacon mode.
____ I don’t care.
____ I don’t know.
14) Material/Finish/Coating
____ Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____ Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).
____ Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____ Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____ I don’t care.
_X__ I don’t know.
____ Other, please specify____________.
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
____ Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____ Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____ Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____ “Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____ Pocket/belt clip
____ Holster
____ Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____ Crenulated bezel
____ Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
Edit: Updated to make easier to read.
My current situation is I am going on two relatively long distance bicycle rides during the summer and my Malkoff 3D Maglite is not gonna do the trick. The first ride of the summer won't be very long and should have a large caravan following, but the second ride will be a little over 120 miles round trip spread over 2 days with just a few friends of mine on back roads. This second trip is the main reason I am here needing advice as we plan to camp out as well. With that said, I'll try to answer the basic questions as best as I can so you all can better help me. I've included a text form and document form for user preference. Thanks!
Text form: I would prefer the flashlight to be available on Amazon.com as my current method of payment will be gift cards and credit card cash back money, but if it is worth it, I can pull for something that is not listed on Amazon. I am a broke college student, so unfortunately, my budget is around $25-45 max. I don't care for things on my keychain, but this needs to be small enough to pack easily. Something like an EDC 3-4 inch. As for the source, I'd say LED, but I don't really know any better. I would prefer to use alkalines, but that is mainly because I do not know much about other batteries such as NiHM. If the battery you have in mind is cost-effective, then I'm all ears. For brightness, probably something around 100 to 200 lumens as I will be on back roads and camping in random places. I would also like a good reach on this light. Something like 20-100 yards would be nice since I will be in unknown outdoor settings, but I'm not entirely sure how much throw I need as I don't know how it affects the versatility. I don't plan to overly use the light, but it could be necessary in the building of our tents/campsite if we stop at sunset or later. 30-90+ minutes battery life should do since I plan to carry one set of backup alkalines. I would also like a minimum of 2 light levels. Switch type, UI, coating, and special needs are not really defined in my case. Let's just say I don't want a light made out of cardboard and I wouldn't mind a button for the light switch.
Document form: 1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
____ I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
_X__ I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)
____ Less than $25.
_X__ Less than $50.
____ Less than $100.
____ Less than $150.
____ Less than $300.
____ I have no limit.
____ I’m flexible, tell me what you gotJ.
____ Other, please specify ________
3) Format:
_X__ I want a flashlight.
____ I want a headlamp.
____ I want a lantern.
____ I want a dive light.
____ I want a portable spotlight.
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
____ Keychain size.
_X__ Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
_X__ Every day carry medium (4-7 inches). 5 inches maximum
____ Holster carry.
____ Big enough to need its own travel caseJ.
____ I don’t care.
____ I don’t know.
____ N/A
5) Emitter/Light source:
_X__ LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____ Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____ HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
_X__ I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
_X__ I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
_X__ I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a “host” or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a “drop-in” emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.
7) What battery type do you want to use?
_X__ I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today’s most powerful lights) Preferred as my knowledge is low on other batteries, but I am open to alternatives
____ I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
____ I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
____ I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)
____ I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery. (Note: these choices may be very limited unless you are looking at spotlights)
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
____ I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
____ I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
_X__ I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____ I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____ I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
____ Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____ Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
_X__ 5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
_X__ 30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
_X__ 50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces) Not entirely sure how much throw I need
____ 150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
____ Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
_X__ 30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
_X__ 90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____ 3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
____ Not Important (A “night-stand” light).
_X__ Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
_X__ Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____ Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____ I don't care.
____ I don’t know.
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
____ I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____ I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____ I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____ I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____ I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____ I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
____ I don't care.
_X__ I don’t know.
____ Other, please specify__________.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____ A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
_X__ I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.) More than 2 is fine, but a minimum of 2
____ I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____ I want a programmable light.
____ I want a selector ring.
____ I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
____ I want SOS mode.
____ I want a beacon mode.
____ I don’t care.
____ I don’t know.
14) Material/Finish/Coating
____ Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____ Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).
____ Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____ Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____ I don’t care.
_X__ I don’t know.
____ Other, please specify____________.
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
____ Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____ Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____ Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____ “Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____ Pocket/belt clip
____ Holster
____ Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____ Crenulated bezel
____ Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
Edit: Updated to make easier to read.
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